The free event will happen on Saturday, April 6 from 10am to 1pm at Amazing Grace (2007 NW 61st St).

“Bring your old electronics — any shape or size,” they write in their event info. “It’s free, but we welcome donations for our Ballard Sunday Dinners for our neighbors in need.”

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/21/electronic-recycling-event-coming-up-soon/feed/0101405https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/21/electronic-recycling-event-coming-up-soon/Kangaroo & Kiwi to host fundraiser to support victims of New Zealand mosque shootinghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/3OvpJbrf2AA/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/21/kangaroo-kiwi-to-host-fundraiser-to-support-victims-of-new-zealand-mosque-shooting/#respondThu, 21 Mar 2019 19:52:27 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=101345Ballard’s local Australian/New Zealand bar is planning an event to benefit the families of victims from the mosque shooting last weekend in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Bradley Howe, owner of Kangaroo & Kiwi, tells My Ballard that the event will be on Friday, March 22 starting at 5pm.

“We invite all to come down for a get together with mates from everywhere to show support for all involved in the horrible events recently in Christhchurch,” the event flyer reads.

In addition to accepting donations, the pub will also be hosting an auction to raise money.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/21/kangaroo-kiwi-to-host-fundraiser-to-support-victims-of-new-zealand-mosque-shooting/feed/0101345https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/21/kangaroo-kiwi-to-host-fundraiser-to-support-victims-of-new-zealand-mosque-shooting/Despite Missing Link setbacks, Ballard Multimodal project underwayhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/0UbiK4XJHq4/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/21/despite-missing-link-setbacks-ballard-multimodal-project-underway/#commentsThu, 21 Mar 2019 16:52:59 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=101326Even though plans for the Missing Link hit a major setback last year, the city has chosen to go ahead and start construction on part of the Burke-Gilman’s missing section of the trail.

It’s called the Ballard Multimodal Corridor — a clever rebranding of the Missing Link — and is starting with work along NW Market St between the Ballard Locks and 24th Ave NW.

The Seattle Department of Transportation has started with utility verification work for the new transit poles and signal improvements, which is causing temporary lane closures on NW Market St and NW 54th St for exploratory excavations.

Crews will be digging holes about 3 feet by 10 feet deep as they confirm underground utility locations and determine where to install Metro transit poles and and SDOT signal poles. SDOT says Metro will establish temporary bus stops during the construction.

Other work included in the scope of the Multimodal project will include new pavement on some roadways, driveway enhancements, new signals, new utility and drainage infrastructure, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure. One of the main concerns with the Shilshole corridor has been the impact to local industry along that stretch.

“Design of the Ballard Multimodal Corridor improvements recognize the importance of Ballard’s manufacturing and industrial community and will maintain truck and freight access to the industrial and water-dependent businesses adjacent to the corridor,” SDOT says in their project website.

In response to the most recent setback in King County Court, SDOT is required to perform additional analysis of the potential economic impact to businesses along the corridor. Their review is underway they expect to finish this spring.

To learn more about the project and its timeline, visit SDOT’s website.

During Seattle’s unusual heat wave, local pilot Will Van Horne‎ shared this beautiful photo of Ballard.

“Sunrise over Ballard,” Van Horne wrote on the My Ballard Facebook Group. He snapped this shot from Kenmore Air’s 8am departure to Friday Harbor.

The warm weather is apparently on its way out, with highs back in the 60s and 50s predicted for this weekend.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/20/sunrise-over-ballard-during-winter-heat-wave/feed/0100910https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/20/sunrise-over-ballard-during-winter-heat-wave/UW study shows coyote pups learn to habituate to humans from their parentshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/WSsP-A0EoSg/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/20/uw-study-shows-coyote-pups-learn-to-habituate-to-humans-from-their-parents/#commentsWed, 20 Mar 2019 17:20:51 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=100890If it seems like coyotes in Ballard are less and less fearful of humans, it’s probably because they’re learning to be bold from their parents.

A University of Washington Tacoma study, published in Ecology and Evolution, has found that habituated coyote parents are passing their fearlessness on to their offspring.

Author of the study and assistant professor Christopher Schell conducted his research as part of his doctoral work at the University of Chicago. For the study, he focused on eight coyote families at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Predator Research Facility in Millville, Utah, which was set up in the 70s to reduce coyote attacks on livestock.

Schnell told UW News that while it’s rare that coyotes threaten or attack people, when it does happen it ends up being blown out of proportion. “We want to understand the mechanisms that contribute to habituation and fearlessness, to prevent these situations from occurring.”

The study sought to explain how rural coyotes are learning to be fearless when living in urban environments. What Schnell found is that the habituated behavior is likely taught to offspring.

According to UW News, the research team placed food near the entrance to the coyote’s enclosure, and had a researcher sit just outside the entrance everyday for five weeks while pups were one- to three-months old to document how soon coyotes would venture toward the food.

Schnell said the first season of the study, there were a few bold individuals, but for the most part, the pups were more wary. However, the second season, things had changed: “But when we came back and did the same experiment with the second litter, the adults would immediately eat the food — they wouldn’t even wait for us to leave the pen in some instances,” Schnell told UW News.

“Parents became way more fearless, and in the second litter, so, too, were the puppies.”

King County wildlife biologist Chris Anderson told My Ballard it’s up to us to prevent habituation: “Exclude, exclude, exclude — even haze them. When you see them, encourage them to keep going. Throw something at them. If you have a noise-maker, use it. Studies show that that effort and education is the ultimate answer to manage them.”

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/20/uw-study-shows-coyote-pups-learn-to-habituate-to-humans-from-their-parents/feed/7100890https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/20/uw-study-shows-coyote-pups-learn-to-habituate-to-humans-from-their-parents/North parking lot closed at Golden Gardens for repavinghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/3V8pfZOMfqs/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/20/north-parking-lot-closed-at-golden-gardens-for-repaving/#commentsWed, 20 Mar 2019 16:06:45 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=100877Today, the north parking lot at Golden Gardens will be closed while crews work on repaving the lot.

The work is part of ADA access improvements at the park and bathhouse, led by Seattle Parks and Recreation.

Crews have been working on making the interior bathrooms and kitchens more accessible, plus replacing existing accessible parking and selected paths to improve access to different areas of the park.

Portable toilets have been installed near the bathhouse during the renovation, and existing accessible parking will be closed during construction, with temporary ADA non-compliant parking. The path to access the north beach will be closed, although the beach is accessible via the adjacent lawn.

Construction has been underway since January — Seattle Parks says they should be done by April.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/20/north-parking-lot-closed-at-golden-gardens-for-repaving/feed/5100877https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/20/north-parking-lot-closed-at-golden-gardens-for-repaving/Running of the Beavers 5K coming up soonhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/rhuP11NP9qY/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/19/running-of-the-beavers-5k-coming-up-soon/#respondTue, 19 Mar 2019 17:01:56 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=100459The 3rd annual Running of the Beavers 5K Race/Walk is just around the corner, happening on Saturday, March 30 at Golden Gardens.

The 5K is a fundraiser for Ballard High School Foundation, benefitting the school’s athletic programs, cheerleading squad, dance team, and band.

“If you’re new to Ballard and want to meet your neighbors this is a great way to connect with your Ballard community, ” the organizers write in the event info.

The race/walk will start and finish from Golden Gardens, with the finish line near the famous Beaver Pond at the park. Day-of registration and packet pick-up will start at 7:30am, with the race starting at 9am. Online registration is available here, and packet pick-ups will also be available the day before, on Friday, March 29 at Ballard High School from 4pm to 7pm.

The buyers are Marysville Apartments, LLC, who purchased the 17-unit apartment building for $5.45 million — that’s $320,588 per unit.

Sunset Villa (6736 24th Avenue NW) was built in 1963 and was recently renovated by the sellers. Updates include common area improvements, plus renovations to individual units including vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, new cabinets, stainless steel appliances and new light fixtures. The four-story apartment building includes 12 one-bedroom and five two-bedroom units.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/19/sunset-villa-apartment-building-sells-for-5-45-million/feed/11100444https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/19/sunset-villa-apartment-building-sells-for-5-45-million/City Council votes unanimously to upzone 27 neighborhoodshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/1YLFFNTJnXY/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/19/city-council-votes-unanimously-to-upzone-27-neighborhoods/#commentsTue, 19 Mar 2019 16:04:49 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=100422Crown Hill is among one of the many Seattle neighborhoods to see denser development and higher buildings in the coming years.

Seattle City Council voted unanimously Monday to upzone 27 neighborhoods in Seattle, as part of the Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA), which will implement affordable housing requirements and increase density.

A closer look at the areas slated for changes in Ballard shows that some of the biggest changes will be in Crown Hill between 15th Ave and Holman between NW 85th St and NW 95th St, an area that would see an increase of one-to-two density levels, according to the city’s plans.

Increase the height limit to allow denser mixed use commercial development in the 15th Ave. corridor

Convert blocks of Single Family zoning that are close to the 15th Ave. corridor to Lowrise 2 multifamily zoning, which would allow small apartment structures and townhouses.

Convert blocks of existing Single Family further from the 15th Ave. corridor to Lowrise 1 multifamily zoning, which allows multi-family development with a scale similar to a Single Family zone.

Convert blocks at the edges of the urban village from Single Family to Residential to the Residential Small Lot (RSL) zone. The RSL zone would allow development of small to moderately sized single family homes and cottages that complement the character of existing single family zoned areas.

For a detailed, interactive map of adopted zoning changes, click here. And, for a summary of what those changes mean, click here.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/19/city-council-votes-unanimously-to-upzone-27-neighborhoods/feed/4100422https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/19/city-council-votes-unanimously-to-upzone-27-neighborhoods/Burglars break into Wonderland Gear Exchangehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/i9TnWrgEOGY/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/18/burglars-break-into-wonderland-gear-exchange/#commentsMon, 18 Mar 2019 18:05:41 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=99993Ballard’s recently opened outdoor gear consignment store, Wonderland Gear Exchange, took a big hit over the weekend, when burglars knocked down a window and made off with several pieces of inventory.

Wonderland co-owner Ben Mawhinney says it happened sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning. The burglars broke a large glass window to get in, and knocked over their tent rack in the process. Mawhinney says they’re still assessing the damage and what was stolen — they spent all of Saturday going through their inventory item-by-item. He says most of the stolen gear was soft goods like jackets and gloves.

One of the items the burglars stole was a conspicuous giant yellow expedition parka made by Feathered Friends. “It would be impossible for someone not to stick out wearing it,” Mawhinney says.

“All in all, we are so lucky that the neighborhood has embraced our shop this quickly. These types of incidents certainly sting, but we’ve already felt a lot of support from the community since sharing the news of the break-in, and we recognize just how fortunate we are as a new business to have built some solid momentum in just a few months since our Grand Opening.”

Mawhinney says their security system failed to capture the burglary, which has since been remedied. If you have any information about the incident, contact Seattle Police, 206-625-5011.

The club will meet at the dinosaurs on the trail in Fremont on Tuesday, March 26 at 4:30pm. Their cleanup path will be the part of the trail the club helps maintain; from the dinosaurs to Hale’s (the intersection of NW 43rd St). They’ll start by giving the dinosaurs a trim, and will make their way towards Hale’s, picking up litter as they go.

“Once your are at Hales, work is done! Quench your thirst and enjoy time with your fellow Rotarians & Volunteers from the community,” they write in the event info.

The club will provide pick-up tools, trash bags, and tarps. They ask that participants wear comfortable outdoor work clothes and work gloves.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/18/burke-gilman-trail-cleanup-next-week/feed/1299972https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/18/burke-gilman-trail-cleanup-next-week/Nordic Museum now known as National Nordic Museumhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/OjulLAW3szM/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/nordic-museum-now-known-as-national-nordic-museum/#commentsFri, 15 Mar 2019 18:35:13 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=98623The Nordic Museum in Ballard is now officially the National Nordic Museum, thanks to a bill passed by Congress and signed by the president.

The Nordic’s designation is to recognize the museum’s work to preserve and educate the public about Nordic history, culture, and art. It’s the only museum in the U.S. that’s solely focused on Nordic immigrants from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

One of the biggest parts of the new legislation is the permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Additionally, there’s legislation for Yakima River Basin restoration, new technology for fighting wildfires through the use of drones and GPS, improving volcano monitoring systems, and designating 1.5 million acres of land along I-90 from Ellensburg to Seattle as the Pacific Northwest’s first National Heritage Area.

“The Nordic Museum is a capstone of a long story about Nordic heritage in Seattle,” Senator Cantwell said in a statement. “Establishing the National Nordic Museum will help support local tourism and drive economic development as well as help further preserve our region’s Nordic history, and maritime and fishing heritage.”

Eric Nelson, CEO of the Nordic, says the designation, “acknowledges the hard work and investment that the local community has made in creating a world-class museum.” He also said it will be a big boost for tourism in Ballard, will help the museum generate support from the private sector, and will “stimulate economic and cultural bonds between the Nordic region and Washington State, and indeed the entire country.”

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/nordic-museum-now-known-as-national-nordic-museum/feed/1398623https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/nordic-museum-now-known-as-national-nordic-museum/New music and arts festival Kaleidoscope coming to Ballardhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/ZfkseWVliF8/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/new-music-and-arts-festival-kaleidoscope-coming-to-ballard/#respondFri, 15 Mar 2019 18:22:55 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=98605A new festival is in the works for Ballard: Kaleidoscope is happening Saturday, April 6 at the Salmon Bay Eagles Club.

Kaleidoscope is described as a “one-day whirlwind of music and art,” according to the organizers. They have eight bands on the bill, with a Space Pyramid analog light experience.

“This event is 100% for artist, by artist. Come and join us for an evening of sensory overload.”

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/new-music-and-arts-festival-kaleidoscope-coming-to-ballard/feed/098605https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/new-music-and-arts-festival-kaleidoscope-coming-to-ballard/Magnum Self Storage closing down after 40 years of businesshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/OFtA3Q9tTME/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/magnum-self-storage-closing-down-after-40-years-of-business/#commentsFri, 15 Mar 2019 17:15:57 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=98589One of the longest-running storage facilities in Ballard is shutting down in a few months.

Magnum Self Storage has been operating at 5422 Shilshole Ave NW for over 40 years. But now, co-owner Mike Hall says it’s time to sell the property and move on.

“We want to retire,” Hall told My Ballard. They have 500 customers, who Hall said they’ve been notifying since early in January.

They’re last day in business will be July 4th — Hall said he’d like their last day to be memorable — with fireworks.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/magnum-self-storage-closing-down-after-40-years-of-business/feed/998589https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/magnum-self-storage-closing-down-after-40-years-of-business/Ballard retailers join forces this weekend at annual Hullabaloo salehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/MfgxzCgolvE/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/ballard-retailers-join-forces-this-weekend-at-annual-hullabaloo-sale/#commentsFri, 15 Mar 2019 16:29:44 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=98577The annual Ballard Hullabaloo, where Ballard retailers come together to sell their goods at heavy discounts, is tonight and tomorrow (March 15 and 16). The event was originally planned for Feb. 8th and 9th, but was postponed due to the snowstorm.

Peddler Brewing will be on tap on the Friday night, and Porkchop & Co. will be serving up breakfast on the Saturday. All beer sales from Peddler will go to the Ballard Commons Park Play Area fundraiser.

The event will be held at the Leif Erikson Lodge Hall from 6pm to 9pm tonight (March 15), and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday (March 16).

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/ballard-retailers-join-forces-this-weekend-at-annual-hullabaloo-sale/feed/298577https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/15/ballard-retailers-join-forces-this-weekend-at-annual-hullabaloo-sale/91st Annual Blessing of the Fleet this weekend at Fishermen’s Terminalhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/Gzmwg25NyxI/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/14/91st-annual-blessing-of-the-fleet-this-weekend-at-fishermens-terminal/#commentsThu, 14 Mar 2019 17:16:25 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=98069The spring departure of the local fishing fleet is approaching, and this Sunday, they’ll be honored in the 91st annual Blessing of the Fleet.

The blessing will be on March 17 at 2pm at the Fishermen’s Memorial site at the terminal.

The tradition was started 91 years ago by the late Pastor O.L. Haavik of Ballard First Lutheran Church. Now, it’s led by First Lutheran Pastors Erik R. Wilson Weiberg and Elise Scott. In the ceremony, they’ll offer thanks for the fishing community, “remember the risks they take each day to provide seafood for our tables,” the church writes in the event info.

“We will also pray that their families will be healthy and protected during their time of separation. We will remember those who went out to sea and never returned.”

The North Pacific Fishing Fleet will be represented by “The Admiral” owner Tom Meiners during the ceremony.

The Blessing of the Fleet is free and open to the public — coffee and cookies will be available after the service.

Photo from the 2018 Blessing of the Fleet, from First Lutheran’s Facebook page

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/14/91st-annual-blessing-of-the-fleet-this-weekend-at-fishermens-terminal/feed/1498069https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/14/91st-annual-blessing-of-the-fleet-this-weekend-at-fishermens-terminal/Root Table to close its doors at the end of Marchhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/WPjvpCtaEHA/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/14/root-table-to-close-its-doors-at-the-end-of-march/#commentsThu, 14 Mar 2019 17:03:32 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=98067The restaurant Root Table (2213 NW Market St) has announced that they’ll be closing up shop at the end of March.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/14/root-table-to-close-its-doors-at-the-end-of-march/feed/398067https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/14/root-table-to-close-its-doors-at-the-end-of-march/Ballard Pie Bar celebrates Pi Day and fourth anniversary todayhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/D--2nO5kalU/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/14/ballard-pie-bar-celebrates-pi-day-and-fourth-anniversary-today/#commentsThu, 14 Mar 2019 16:36:38 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=98047It’s Pi Day today (3/14), which, for most of us, is a great excuse to eat pie in all its wonderful forms.

Pie Bar Ballard is getting in on the festivities, and have an extra reason to celebrate, because it’s also their fourth anniversary: they opened on March 14, 2014.

As part of their celebrations, they hosted an eating contest with local competitive eaters, Sarah Reinecke and Juan Rodriguez. Their challenge: one slice of every pie from the Pie Bar Ballard menu, topped with ice cream, in under 30 minutes. KING5 News documented the contest, which will air tonight on Evening Magazine at 7pm in honor of Pi Day.

“Pi Day is our favorite day of the year for many reasons. It brings pie/pi lovers together from all across the city, celebrating all that is pie/pi, but it’s also a day to celebrate our anniversary!” the owners write on Facebook. They’ll be open today from 3pm to midnight.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/14/ballard-pie-bar-celebrates-pi-day-and-fourth-anniversary-today/feed/298047https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/14/ballard-pie-bar-celebrates-pi-day-and-fourth-anniversary-today/Free water-saving toilets available from Seattle Public Utilitieshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/EflAAdfqKYw/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/13/free-water-saving-toilets-available-from-seattle-public-utilities/#commentsWed, 13 Mar 2019 17:34:51 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=97383If your toilet was installed before 2004, you could qualify for a new water-saving toilet from the city.

Seattle Public Utilities is offering free toilets for low-income homeowners who qualify. As part of the offer, SPU will also take care of installation and recycling of your old toilet.

Requirements for eligibility are the following: you must receive a SPU bill, live in the home you own, your existing toilet must have been installed before 2004, and you must meet the 2018 income guidelines listed here.

“Toilets are the biggest water-user in most homes and multifamily buildings. Replacing old toilets with new, water-efficient fixtures will save money on your utility bills and conserve water for the Puget Sound region,” SPU writes on their website.

If you meet the requirements, call Sound Generations Minor Home Repair at 206-448-5751 to apply. For more info, visit SPU’s website about the offer.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/13/free-water-saving-toilets-available-from-seattle-public-utilities/feed/1297383https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/13/free-water-saving-toilets-available-from-seattle-public-utilities/Ballard Breweries join forces for St. Paddy’s Day Parade O’ Pintshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/pUjGFcJGh2E/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/13/ballard-breweries-join-forces-for-st-paddys-day-parade-o-pints/#commentsWed, 13 Mar 2019 17:06:29 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=97373Ballard’s cohort of breweries is getting ready for another neighborhood-wide collaboration, this time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Called the “Parade O’ Pints“, Saturday’s (March 16th) festivities will include rides between the breweries atop Hale’s Ales double-decker bus. The bus will be on a loop between all 11 breweries (map below), with a $5 bus fare to support the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums.

The bus will running in the afternoon, from 2pm to 6pm. To learn more or RSVP, click here.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/13/ballard-breweries-join-forces-for-st-paddys-day-parade-o-pints/feed/1097373https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/13/ballard-breweries-join-forces-for-st-paddys-day-parade-o-pints/Crews begin removing contaminated soils for Ship Canal Water Quality Projecthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/AOSWwYNwT00/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/13/crews-begin-removing-contaminated-soils-for-ship-canal-water-quality-project/#respondWed, 13 Mar 2019 16:36:51 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=97353Construction for the project to improve water quality in the Ship Canal is taking shape, as crews begin removing contaminated soil from the site to prepare for tunnel excavation.

A large tent has been set up at the project site (5300 24th Ave NW), which will be used to store the contaminated soils during the remediation (photo below).

At the beginning of March, the project team advertised the tunnel construction contract. The main tunnel will run from Wallingford to Ballard, with five shafts, plus another smaller tunnel between Fremont and Queen Anne underneath the Ship Canal. They plan to start construction in late 2019.

Upcoming work in Ballard will include the construction of a ramp at the north edge of the SPU property next to the railroad in order to load materials into the railcars more easily. They’ll use trains on the Ballard Terminal Railroad track to remove soil once remediation begins.

Other longterm construction associated with the water quality project include the creation of new conveyance pipes, which will run along NW 56th St between 28th Ave NW and 24th Ave NW to carry stormwater and sewage flows into the new tunnel. They’ll also be building a pump station on the northern part of the Ballard site.

Construction for the conveyance pipes and pump station is expected to start in early 2023.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/13/crews-begin-removing-contaminated-soils-for-ship-canal-water-quality-project/feed/097353https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/13/crews-begin-removing-contaminated-soils-for-ship-canal-water-quality-project/State seeks public input on future use of Interbay National Guard propertyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/OjoIHU_Q6wg/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/12/state-seeks-public-input-on-future-use-of-interbay-national-guard-property/#commentsTue, 12 Mar 2019 19:28:51 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=96918A large swath of state-owned land in Interbay is up for redevelopment, and the state is asking for community input.

The land, located just north of the Magnolia Bridge, is currently being used as a “readiness center” by the Washington National Guard. Built in 1974, the facilities are now outdated, and don’t meet the National Guard’s requirements for mission support. There are more than 600 personnel on-site, and large military equipment moves in and out of the area on weekends. They say that with increasing traffic in the area, it’s time to move locations, so the Guard is looking for new facilities elsewhere.

Now, the governor and legislature have created the Interbay Public Development Advisory Committee to advise and help identify potential future uses of the site. Assuming the Guard will be relocating, the committee will work to guide the redevelopment process, “with the goal of recommending a use that maximizes the property to the overall benefit of the public,” according to the Department of Commerce. Using community feedback, the committee will make a recommendation to the state legislature in November.

The first public house to learn about the Interbay Project will be on March 19 at 6pm and the Ballard VFW Hall (2812 Nw Market St). Those who attend will meet the advisory committee members and project team, learn about the project, and provide ideas for the future of the property.

Any questions can be directed to interbay@commerce.wa.gov. Or, click here to learn more about the project.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/12/state-seeks-public-input-on-future-use-of-interbay-national-guard-property/feed/2196918https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/12/state-seeks-public-input-on-future-use-of-interbay-national-guard-property/Don Willis Furniture files for bankruptcyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/VxW3JS0SD_Q/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/12/don-willis-furniture-files-for-bankruptcy/#commentsTue, 12 Mar 2019 17:25:59 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=96887Don Willis Furniture in downtown Ballard has closed, and the company has filed for bankruptcy.

We learned about the bankruptcy when My Ballard Group member Shelly posted that she ordered and paid for furniture in September, and hadn’t yet received her order. Unable to reach anyone at the Ballard location, we checked in with the Lynnwood store, where their answering machine explained that they’ve filed for bankruptcy.

“We are currently in the middle of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. We do apologize for this inconvenience to you,” they say. “Our top prior is always to take care of our customers. If you have an order that has not been received, contact Bountiful Law for your refund.”

They ask that customers contact Bountiful Law at bountifulreception@gmail.com. They add that there are some orders ready to deliver, and that Bountiful will have more information.

The Spring 4 Seniors gala is in its 26th year, and will be held on Sunday, March 24 from 5pm to 9pm at the Leif Erikson Hall (2245 NW 57th St).

Auction items will include an autographed football by Coach Pete Carroll, a Holland America Cruise, Seahawks tickets, gift certificates for local restaurants, gift baskets and more.

This year, preparations for the event were held back by February’s weather and computer problems.

“This event, our $pring for $eniors Dinner and Auction Gala sets our fundraising tone for the year,” Senior Center Director Carlye Teel wrote in the center’s monthly newsletter. “Frankly, with the snow and preparation time lost, I’m concerned. There is so much to do and losing time sets us back. We really need your help and support to make this the success it must be.”

Their goal for the gala is to raise $80,000 and have 200 guests. Teel says that if you can’t attend the event, you can help them reach their goal by donating an item, asking your favorite merchant for a donation, providing a service, volunteering.

The gala and auction includes a dinner — regular tickets are $60, and benefactor tickets are $80. To purchase tickets, go online, call 206-297-0403, or buy them in person at the center, 5429 32nd Ave NW.

Photo from a previous year’s gala, from the Senior Center’s Facebook page

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/12/ballard-senior-center-26th-annual-gala-auction-is-coming-up/feed/196872https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/12/ballard-senior-center-26th-annual-gala-auction-is-coming-up/Former councilmember Heidi Wills looking to take O’Brien’s seathttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/NtHcjxcY74s/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/11/former-councilmember-heidi-wills-looking-to-take-obriens-seat/#commentsMon, 11 Mar 2019 21:13:13 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=96561One of the 11 candidates running for Mike O’Brien’s soon-to-be-vacated city council seat is a former councilmember, Heidi Wills.

Wills served on the city council in the early 2000s, but was ousted after her involvement in the “Strippergate” fiasco in 2003 when thousands of dollars of campaign contributions were connected to a strip-club owner looking for a zoning change. She was fined $1,500 for her part in the ethics scandal. According to a report in The Seattle Times, Wills explains that she didn’t realize the contributions were “bundled”. “Looking back, I wish I had asked more questions,” she told the Times. “But I’ve gained a lot of life experience since then.”

Since her time on city council, Wills has served as executive director for The First Tee of Greater Seattle, a nonprofit that teaches golf and provides mentors for kids. Wills has lived in Seattle for 32 years — she has two children, and she and her husband run a small business in Seattle.

Now, 16 years after leaving office, Wills wants back on the council.

While her campaign is still evolving, on her website Wills says, “From tackling affordability, to growing our economy and protecting our environment – I feel an immense responsibility to ensure future generations can live and thrive in our city.”

Wills is one of 11 candidates running for the D6 seat on city council — for a full list of the candidates and their campaign websites, click here.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/11/former-councilmember-heidi-wills-looking-to-take-obriens-seat/feed/796561https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/11/former-councilmember-heidi-wills-looking-to-take-obriens-seat/Sound Transit extends comment period for Ballard light railhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/06edCZK9DaU/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/11/sound-transit-extends-comment-period-for-ballard-light-rail/#respondMon, 11 Mar 2019 18:00:11 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=96554The comment period for the Ballard light rail route and station options has been extended.

Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration have extended the public and agency comment period until April 2 — all comments received until then will help inform which alternatives should be studied in the Environmental Impact Statement, the next stage of the project development.

There are three alternatives being considered: the ST3 Representative Project, the West Seattle Elevated/C-ID 5th Ave/Downtown 6th Ave/Ballard Elevated, and the West Seattle Tunnel/C-ID 4th Ave/Downtown 5th Ave/Ballard Tunnel. Sound Transit has developed an online open house, which is here if you want a full background on the project and to weigh in.

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/11/sound-transit-extends-comment-period-for-ballard-light-rail/feed/096554https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/11/sound-transit-extends-comment-period-for-ballard-light-rail/Leif to Leif 5k and Norwegian Heritage Day coming up soonhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/15CFLh6FZmM/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/11/leif-to-leif-5k-and-norwegian-heritage-day-coming-up-soon/#commentsMon, 11 Mar 2019 16:55:12 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=96552On Saturday, March 23, all things Norwegian will be happening in Ballard, with the Leif to Leif 5k Run/Walk, Tastes of Norway, and Norwegian Heritage Day at the Leif Erikson Lodge.

The day will start with the annual Leif to Leif Run/Walk, which starts at the Leif Erikson Lodge, goes to the Leif Erikson Statue, and back to the lodge. Each runner/walker will receive a mini Norwegian flag and a heart-shaped waffle for participating. Costs to enter will be $20 for adults and $5 for children, with all proceeds benefitting the Ballard Senior Center. Registration will start at 8am, and the run starts at 9am, with an awards ceremony scheduled for 10:15am back at the Leif Erikson Lodge.

After the 5k, Tastes of Norway and Norwegian Heritage Day celebrations will be at the lodge all day. They’ll have music, demonstrations of traditional foods and crafts, and raffle prizes throughout the day.

There will be artists demonstrating woodcarving and rosemaling, homemade goods such as Norna Ladies’ embroidered tea towels, and kids crafts activities hosted by Kristina and Sigrid Strombo. And, genealogist Eric Jorgensen will be giving advice and tips on how to trace your Norwegian ancestry.

The Norwegian folk costumes — bunader — will be shown during the Bunad Parade at 12:30pm. Anyone wearing a traditional costume is invited to participate in the parade.

Lauri Miller shared photos of the new space, which has been updated with a shiny new concrete floor, new tables and new decor.

Lauri says the cafe feels brighter, with new windows installed on the north side. The wood stove has been moved to the back of the space, and most of the “old lodge decor” is gone, she says.

Employee Kelsi Eldredge says there are a few changes to the menu as well. They’ve taken away a few syrups that were rarely ordered, and are making them seasonal instead. She says they now make their own vanilla, chocolate, and caramel syrups.

Some items have been taken off the menu, but Kelsi says they can still be ordered by special request. The eggels will now be served without tomatoes — too many people were asking for them to taken off, she says. (But not to worry, they’ll put them back on at no extra cost.)

They also plan to add a nitro cold brew and nitro chai to the menu.

Thanks Lauri, for the photos!

]]>https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/08/java-bean-reopens-with-new-name-venture-coffee-co/feed/796526https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/08/java-bean-reopens-with-new-name-venture-coffee-co/Ballard charity celebrates Women’s Day with ‘period packs’ for Seattle womenhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/myballard/~3/gCCVXQF4uLU/
https://www.myballard.com/2019/03/08/ballard-charity-celebrates-womens-day-with-period-packs-for-seattle-women/#commentsFri, 08 Mar 2019 19:02:19 +0000https://www.myballard.com/?p=96531A Ballard charity has collected over 7,000 pads and tampons, and they need some help assembling “period packs” to hand out to low-income and homeless women in Seattle.

The charity is called Seattle T2P2, which stands for Towers of Tampons and Pyramids of Pads, and they’ll be at Locust Cider (5309 22nd Ave NW) on Saturday, March 9 from 12 to 3:30pm to create the kits.

“We’ve got a plethora of product!” they write on their Facebook event page. Their last packing party was for school girls heading back to school in the fall, and they created 800 kits with 40 people helping. “We will definitely need more hands on deck,” they write.

This packing party is also in honor of the organization’s first anniversary and International Women’s Day. “We will toast to your hard work, the organizations and menstruators who receive our kits, and those we haven’t reached yet.”

They’ll also have raffle prizes for volunteers: they’re giving away a 4-pack of cider, a flight of cider, and a t-shirt or growler filled with cider.